Image forming device, charging method, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming device, a charging method, and a computer-readable recording medium. The present invention can automatically perform appropriate charging processing without requiring the user to perform operations on a mobile terminal. The structure of the image forming device (1) is characterized in that it comprises: a task acceptance unit (30) that accepts charging tasks that become charging objects; a retrieval unit (34) that retrieves charging information recording media (10) existing around the device along with the task acceptance unit (30) accepting the charging tasks; a charging information acquisition unit (35) that acquires charging information from the charging information recording medium (10) retrieved by the retrieval unit (34); a charging processing unit (36) that performs charging processing for the charging tasks based on the charging information; and a task execution unit (37) that executes the charging tasks along with the charging processing by the charging processing unit (36).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a charging method, and a computer-readable recording medium. Background Art

[0002] In the past, it is known that in image forming apparatuses such as MFP (Multifunction Peripherals), when executing tasks that are chargeable, such as printing tasks and copying tasks, a charging process is performed for the user. For example, in the conventional image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, if a user inputs a printing task, the task enters a waiting state. In the waiting state of the task, if the user covers the image forming apparatus with a non-contact medium such as a mobile terminal storing electronic money information, the image forming apparatus automatically collects electronic money from the non-contact medium, cancels the waiting state of the task, and starts printing output.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-48188

[0004] However, when using the above-mentioned conventional image forming apparatus, the user must cover the image forming apparatus with a non-contact medium such as a mobile terminal, which is inconvenient. For example, there is also a case where the user holds goods with both hands. In such a situation, in order to cover the image forming apparatus with the mobile terminal, the user needs to temporarily place the goods on the floor, etc., take out the mobile terminal from a pocket, etc., and cover it with the image forming apparatus. In other words, it is very troublesome for the user because he cannot use the image forming apparatus while holding the goods. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a charging method, and a computer-readable recording medium that can automatically perform appropriate charging processing without requiring any operation by the user.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the invention of technical solution 1 is an image forming device, and its structure is characterized in that it has: a task acceptance unit, which accepts a charging task that becomes a charging object; a retrieval unit, which retrieves the charging information recording medium existing around the device while accepting the above-mentioned charging task; a charging information acquisition unit, which acquires the charging information from the above-mentioned charging information recording medium retrieved by the above-mentioned retrieval unit; a charging processing unit, which performs charging processing for the above-mentioned charging task based on the above-mentioned charging information; and a task execution unit, which executes the above-mentioned charging task while performing the above-mentioned charging processing.

[0007] The structure of the invention of Technical Solution 2 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of Technical Solution 1, the above-mentioned charging information recording medium is a mobile terminal held by a user, and the above-mentioned image forming device also has a communication unit for communicating with the above-mentioned mobile terminal, the above-mentioned retrieval unit retrieves the above-mentioned mobile terminal existing in the vicinity of the device via the above-mentioned communication unit, and the above-mentioned charging information acquisition unit obtains the above-mentioned charging information from the above-mentioned mobile terminal retrieved by the above-mentioned retrieval unit via the above-mentioned communication unit.

[0008] The structure of the invention of Technical Solution 3 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of Technical Solution 2, the above-mentioned image forming device further comprises: a storage unit, which stores terminal information, in which a correspondence is established between the above-mentioned mobile terminal and the user holding the above-mentioned mobile terminal; and a user determination unit, which determines the task issuing user who issues the above-mentioned paid task along with accepting the above-mentioned paid task, and along with the above-mentioned task issuing user being determined by the above-mentioned user determination unit, the above-mentioned retrieval unit retrieves the above-mentioned mobile terminal held by the above-mentioned task issuing user based on the above-mentioned terminal information.

[0009] The structure of the invention of Technical Solution 4 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of Technical Solution 3, the above-mentioned communication unit automatically establishes a connection state capable of communication with the above-mentioned mobile terminal within a specified distance range, and the above-mentioned retrieval unit retrieves the above-mentioned mobile terminal held by the above-mentioned task issuing user from at least one of the above-mentioned mobile terminals with which the above-mentioned communication unit has established a connection state.

[0010] The structure of the invention of Technical Solution 5 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of Technical Solution 3 or 4, the image forming device further includes an authentication processing unit, which performs authentication processing on users located around the device, and the user determination unit determines the task issuing user based on the result of the authentication processing by the authentication processing unit.

[0011] The structure of the invention of Technical Solution 6 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of Technical Solution 3 or 4, the image forming device further includes an authentication processing unit, which performs authentication processing on users located around the device, and when the user authenticated by the authentication processing unit and the task issuing user determined by the user determination unit are the same user, the retrieval unit retrieves the mobile terminal held by the task issuing user.

[0012] The structure of the invention of Technical Solution 7 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of Technical Solution 5 or 6, the image forming device further includes a photographing unit, the photographing unit photographs an image of the user, and the authentication processing unit performs facial authentication based on the image photographed by the photographing unit.

[0013] The structure of the invention of technical solution 8 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of technical solution 5 or 6, the above-mentioned image forming device also has a biometric information acquisition unit, the above-mentioned biometric information acquisition unit acquires the user's biometric information, and the above-mentioned authentication processing unit performs biometric authentication based on the biometric information acquired by the above-mentioned biometric information acquisition unit.

[0014] The structure of the invention of Technical Solution 9 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of Technical Solution 5 or 6, the image forming device further includes a card information reading unit, the card information reading unit reads the card information recorded on the IC card, and the authentication processing unit performs card authentication based on the card information obtained by the card information reading unit.

[0015] The structure of the invention of technical solution 10 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of any one of technical solutions 2 to 9, the above-mentioned charging information acquisition unit obtains information related to the charging application installed in the above-mentioned mobile terminal as the above-mentioned charging information by communicating with the above-mentioned mobile terminal, and the above-mentioned charging processing unit performs the above-mentioned charging processing by starting the above-mentioned charging application of the above-mentioned mobile terminal based on the above-mentioned charging information and sending a charging command to the above-mentioned charging application.

[0016] The structure of the invention of technical solution 11 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of technical solution 1, the above-mentioned image forming device also has a shooting unit, the above-mentioned shooting unit shoots the image of the surroundings of the device, the above-mentioned retrieval unit retrieves the image component of the above-mentioned charging information recording medium from the image obtained by causing the above-mentioned shooting unit to shoot the image of the surroundings of the device, and the above-mentioned charging information acquisition unit acquires the above-mentioned charging information from the image component of the above-mentioned charging information recording medium retrieved by the above-mentioned retrieval unit.

[0017] The structure of the invention of technical solution 12 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of any one of technical solutions 1 to 11, when the total amount of the charging amount for the above-mentioned charging task can be charged in the above-mentioned charging processing, the above-mentioned task execution unit completes the execution of the above-mentioned charging task.

[0018] The structure of the invention of technical solution 13 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of any one of technical solutions 1 to 12, when the total amount of the charging amount for the above-mentioned charging task cannot be charged in the above-mentioned charging processing, the above-mentioned task execution unit only executes a part of the above-mentioned charging task.

[0019] The structure of the invention of technical solution 14 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of any one of technical solutions 1 to 13, when the total amount of the charging amount for the above-mentioned charging task cannot be charged in the above-mentioned charging processing, the above-mentioned charging processing unit notifies the user of the insufficient amount.

[0020] The invention of technical solution 15 is a charging method performed in an image forming device, and its structure is characterized in that it has: a task acceptance step, accepting a charging task that becomes a charging object; a retrieval step, along with accepting the above-mentioned charging task, retrieving the charging information recording medium existing in the periphery of the device; a charging information acquisition step, acquiring the charging information from the above-mentioned charging information recording medium retrieved by the above-mentioned retrieval step; a charging processing step, based on the above-mentioned charging information, performing charging processing for the above-mentioned charging task; and a task execution step, executing the above-mentioned charging task along with performing the above-mentioned charging processing.

[0021] The structure of the invention of technical solution 16 is characterized in that, in the charging method of technical solution 15, the above-mentioned charging information recording medium is a mobile terminal held by the user, the above-mentioned image forming device has a communication unit for communicating with the above-mentioned mobile terminal, in the above-mentioned retrieval step, the above-mentioned mobile terminal existing around the device is retrieved via the above-mentioned communication unit, and in the above-mentioned charging information acquisition step, the above-mentioned charging information is acquired from the above-mentioned mobile terminal retrieved by the above-mentioned retrieval step via the above-mentioned communication unit.

[0022] The structure of the invention of technical solution 17 is characterized in that, in the charging method of technical solution 16, it also comprises: a storage step, storing terminal information, in which a corresponding relationship is established between the above-mentioned mobile terminal and the user holding the above-mentioned mobile terminal; and a user determination step, along with accepting the above-mentioned charging task, determining the task issuing user who issues the above-mentioned charging task, in the above-mentioned retrieval step, along with determining the above-mentioned task issuing user through the above-mentioned user determination step, retrieving the above-mentioned mobile terminal held by the above-mentioned task issuing user based on the above-mentioned terminal information.

[0023] The structure of the invention of technical solution 18 is characterized in that, in the charging method of technical solution 17, the above-mentioned communication unit automatically establishes a connection state capable of communication with the above-mentioned mobile terminal within a specified distance range, and in the above-mentioned retrieval step, the above-mentioned mobile terminal held by the above-mentioned task issuing user is retrieved from at least one of the above-mentioned mobile terminals with which the above-mentioned communication unit has established a connection state.

[0024] The structure of the invention of technical solution 19 is characterized in that, in the charging method of technical solution 17 or 18, the above-mentioned charging method also has an authentication processing step, in which authentication processing of users located around the device is performed, and in the above-mentioned user determination step, the task issuing user is determined based on the result of the authentication processing of the above-mentioned authentication processing step.

[0025] The structure of the invention of technical solution 20 is characterized in that, in the charging method of technical solution 17 or 18, the above-mentioned charging method also has an authentication processing step, in which authentication processing of users located around the device is performed, and in the above-mentioned retrieval step, when the user authenticated by the above-mentioned authentication processing step and the above-mentioned task issuing user determined by the above-mentioned user determination step are the same user, the above-mentioned mobile terminal held by the above-mentioned task issuing user is retrieved.

[0026] The structure of the invention of technical solution 21 is characterized in that, in the charging method of technical solution 19 or 20, the above-mentioned image forming device has a shooting unit, the above-mentioned shooting unit shoots the image of the user, and in the above-mentioned authentication processing step, facial authentication is performed based on the image shot by the above-mentioned shooting unit.

[0027] The structure of the invention of technical solution 22 is characterized in that, in the charging method of technical solution 19 or 20, the above-mentioned image forming device has a biometric information acquisition unit, and the above-mentioned biometric information acquisition unit acquires the user's biometric information. In the above-mentioned authentication processing step, biometric authentication is performed based on the biometric information acquired by the above-mentioned biometric information acquisition unit.

[0028] The structure of the invention of technical solution 23 is characterized in that, in the charging method of technical solution 19 or 20, the above-mentioned image forming device has a card information reading unit, and the above-mentioned card information reading unit reads the card information recorded on the IC card, and in the above-mentioned authentication processing step, card authentication is performed based on the card information obtained by the above-mentioned card information reading unit.

[0029] The structure of the invention of technical solution 24 is characterized in that, in the charging method of any one of technical solutions 16 to 23, in the above-mentioned charging information acquisition step, information related to the charging application installed in the above-mentioned mobile terminal is acquired as the above-mentioned charging information by communicating with the above-mentioned mobile terminal, and in the above-mentioned charging processing step, the above-mentioned charging application of the above-mentioned mobile terminal is started based on the above-mentioned charging information, and a charging command is sent to the above-mentioned charging application to perform the above-mentioned charging processing.

[0030] The structure of the invention of technical solution 25 is characterized in that, in the charging method of technical solution 15, the above-mentioned image forming device has a shooting unit, and the above-mentioned shooting unit shoots an image of the surroundings of the device. In the above-mentioned retrieval step, the image component of the above-mentioned charging information recording medium is retrieved from the image obtained by causing the above-mentioned shooting unit to shoot the image of the surroundings of the device. In the above-mentioned charging information acquisition step, the above-mentioned charging information is acquired from the image component of the above-mentioned charging information recording medium retrieved by the above-mentioned retrieval step.

[0031] The structure of the invention of technical solution 26 is characterized in that, in the charging method of any one of technical solutions 15 to 25, in the above-mentioned task execution step, the execution of the above-mentioned charging task is completed when the total amount of the charging amount for the above-mentioned charging task can be charged in the above-mentioned charging processing.

[0032] The structure of the invention of technical solution 27 is characterized in that, in the charging method of any one of technical solutions 15 to 26, in the above-mentioned task execution step, when the total amount of the charging amount for the above-mentioned charging task cannot be charged in the above-mentioned charging processing, only a part of the above-mentioned charging task is executed.

[0033] The structure of the invention of technical solution 28 is characterized in that in the charging method of any one of technical solutions 15 to 27, in the above-mentioned charging processing step, when the total amount of the charging amount for the above-mentioned charging task cannot be charged in the above-mentioned charging processing, the user is notified of the insufficient amount.

[0034] The invention of technical solution 29 is a computer-readable recording medium recording a program executed in an image forming device, wherein the program enables the image forming device to execute: a task acceptance step of accepting a charging task that becomes a charging object; a retrieval step of retrieving a charging information recording medium existing around the device along with accepting the charging task; a charging information acquisition step of acquiring charging information from the charging information recording medium retrieved by the retrieval step; a charging processing step of performing charging processing for the charging task based on the charging information; and a task execution step of executing the charging task along with performing the charging processing.

[0035] According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus can automatically perform appropriate charging processing for performing a chargeable task without requiring the user to perform any operation on the mobile terminal held by the user. Therefore, the convenience of the image forming apparatus can be improved compared with the past. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of user information.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of terminal information.

[0040] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the image forming apparatus.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure and functional structure of a mobile terminal.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the main flow of the cooperative operation between the image forming apparatus and the mobile terminal.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of main processing steps performed in the image forming apparatus.

[0044] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing procedures of the print job control process in the first embodiment.

[0045] Fig.10 This is a diagram illustrating the number of output sheets when the payment amount in the charging process is smaller than the charged amount.

[0046] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus when undercharge occurs.

[0047] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the copy job control process in the first embodiment.

[0048] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0049] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing a main flow of operations of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0050] Fig.15 This is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing procedures of the print job control process in the second embodiment.

[0051] Fig.16 This is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the copy job control process in the second embodiment.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals: 1…image forming device; 5…camera (photographing unit); 6…biological information acquiring unit (biological information acquiring unit); 7…card information reading unit (card information); 10…charge information recording medium; 11…mobile terminal (charge information recording medium); 12…display component (charge information recording medium); 13…code; 21…storage device (storage unit); 23…communication interface (communication unit); 24…program; 25…user information; 26…terminal information; 30…task accepting unit (task accepting unit); 31…user determining unit (user determining unit); 32…charge amount calculating unit (charge amount calculating unit); 33…authentication processing unit (authentication processing unit); 34…retrieval unit (retrieval unit); 35…charge information acquiring unit (charge information acquiring unit); 36…charge processing unit (charge processing unit); 37…task executing unit (task executing unit). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, the same reference numerals are given to common elements, and their repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0054] (First Embodiment)

[0055] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus 1 in a first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 is composed of, for example, an MFP, etc., and has a printing function, a scanning function, and a copying function. The image forming apparatus 1 is a device shared by a plurality of users, and operates the printing function, the scanning function, or the copying function according to the request of each user, and executes the task instructed by the user. The image forming apparatus 1 has a scanner unit 2 on the upper part of the apparatus body, and a printer unit 3 on the lower part of the scanner unit 2. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation panel 4 serving as a user interface on the front side of the apparatus body.

[0056] For example, the scanner unit 2 includes an image reading unit 2a and an automatic document feeder 2b. When a document is placed on the automatic document feeder 2b and the user instructs to start scanning, the scanner unit 2 drives the automatic document feeder 2b and starts to feed the documents placed by the user one by one. The scanner unit 2 causes the image reading unit 2a to operate synchronously with the operation of the automatic document feeder 2b, and performs an operation of reading the image of the document when the document fed by the automatic document feeder 2b passes through a specified reading position of the image reading unit 2a. Through such an operation, the scanner unit 2 generates image data of the document. For example, when the user instructs to execute a scanning task or a copying task, the scanner unit 2 reads the image of the document placed by the user and generates image data.

[0057] The printer unit 3 includes an image forming unit 3a and a paper supply unit 3b. For example, when the user instructs the execution of a print task or a copy task, the printer unit 3 causes the paper supply unit 3b and the image forming unit 3a to work together to form an image on a sheet such as printing paper and print it out. When performing a print task or a copy task, the paper supply unit 3b supplies sheets one by one toward the image forming unit 3a. The image forming unit 3a forms a toner image based on print data on the sheet supplied from the paper supply unit 3b, fixes the toner image on the sheet, and outputs it. When printing and outputting multiple sheets in a print task or a copy task, the paper supply unit 3b continuously supplies these multiple sheets, and the image forming unit 3a sequentially forms images on the sheets continuously supplied from the paper supply unit 3b and outputs them. In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is given in which the image forming unit 3a uses a toner to form an image, but this is not limited to this, and a structure that uses ink to form an image may also be used.

[0058] The operation panel 4 displays various operation screens that can be operated by the user using the image forming device 1, and receives operations performed by the user. In addition, near the operation panel 4, there are provided: a camera 5 that is a photographing unit capable of photographing the user operating the image forming device 1, a biometric information acquisition unit 6 that reads the user's fingerprint pattern, vein pattern, etc. as biometric information, and a card information reading unit 7 that reads information recorded on an IC card, etc. These camera 5, biometric information acquisition unit 6, and card information reading unit 7 are, for example, devices that acquire information for authenticating the user. Furthermore, the image forming device 1 is provided with a human detection sensor 8 on the front side of the device body. The human detection sensor 8 is a sensor that can detect a person existing within a predetermined distance range on the front side of the image forming device 1, and is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor, etc.

[0059] The image forming device 1 as described above accepts a chargeable task such as a print task, a copy task, or the like, which is accompanied by a print output, as a chargeable task. If a chargeable task is accepted, the image forming device 1 retrieves a charge information recording medium 10 existing in the vicinity of the device, and obtains charge information from the charge information recording medium 10. In the present embodiment, the charge information recording medium 10 is composed of a mobile terminal 11 held by a user. The mobile terminal 11 records charge information for charging the user. For example, the charge information is information including information related to a charge application, which is an application installed in the mobile terminal 11, and charges by performing payment based on electronic currency, payment based on a credit card, payment based on deduction from a bank account, or the like.

[0060] When the image forming device 1 accepts a charging task, it searches for a mobile terminal 11 that exists around the device and obtains charging information from the mobile terminal 11. At this time, the image forming device 1 can automatically search for the mobile terminal 11 by wirelessly communicating with the mobile terminal 11, and can automatically obtain charging information from the mobile terminal 11 that can be detected by the search. Moreover, based on the charging information obtained from the mobile terminal 11, the image forming device 1 starts a charging application in the mobile terminal 11, and causes the charging application to charge the amount required to execute the charging task, thereby performing charging processing. When the charging processing based on the charging application can be performed normally, the image forming device 1 performs printout based on the charging task and provides the printed material to the user. Therefore, even when the user puts his or her mobile terminal 11 in a pocket, etc., the image forming device 1 can perform the charging processing of the charging task while maintaining this state, and can perform smooth charging processing without the user taking out the mobile terminal 11. The following is a detailed description of such an image forming device 1.

[0061] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 has the following configuration: as its hardware configuration, in addition to the above-mentioned scanner unit 2, printer unit 3, operation panel 4, camera 5, biological information acquisition unit 6, card information reading unit 7, and human detection sensor 8, it further includes a control unit 20, a storage device 21, a network interface 22, and a communication interface 23, and these units can mutually input and output data via a bus 29.

[0062] The operation panel 4 includes a display unit 4a and an operation unit 4b. The display unit 4a is composed of, for example, a color liquid crystal display, and displays various information to the user, and displays various operation screens that the user can operate. The operation unit 4b is composed of, for example, a touch panel key, a button key, etc., and receives operations performed by the user. For example, the operation unit 4b receives task setting operations and task execution instructions performed by the user.

[0063] The control unit 20 controls the operation of each unit in a unified manner and includes a CPU 20a and a memory 20b. The CPU 20a is a hardware processor that executes various programs. For example, the CPU 20a reads and executes a program 24 stored in the storage device 21. The memory 20b is used to store temporary data generated when the CPU 20a executes various programs.

[0064] The storage device 21 is a nonvolatile storage unit composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device 21 stores a program 24 to be executed by the CPU 20a in advance. In addition, the storage device 21 stores user information 25 and terminal information 26.

[0065] Figure 3 : is a diagram showing an example of user information 25. User information 25 is information that records authentication information for authenticating a user who uses the image forming device 1. For example, users who are allowed to use the image forming device 1 are registered in the user information 25, and for each user, a user ID, authentication information, and a user name are registered. The user ID is unique identification information assigned to each user. Authentication information is information used to authenticate each user, and is, for example, information that defines features of the user's face for facial authentication, information that defines features of the user's fingerprint pattern, vein pattern, etc. for biometric authentication, and information recorded on an IC card held by the user for card authentication. In addition, the authentication information may include at least one of facial authentication, biometric authentication, and card authentication. In addition, the user name is information that registers the name of each user, etc.

[0066] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing an example of the terminal information 26. The terminal information 26 is information in which information related to the mobile terminal 11 held by the user is recorded. Figure 4 As shown, the user name, the terminal ID of the mobile terminal 11, and the MAC address of the mobile terminal 11 are recorded in the terminal information 26. The terminal ID is information for identifying the mobile terminal 11 held by the user. The MAC address is also information for identifying the mobile terminal 11, and is one of the addresses used to communicate with the mobile terminal 11. As such, the terminal information 26 is information for associating the user and the mobile terminal 11 with each other. Therefore, by referring to the terminal information 26, the mobile terminal 11 held by each user can be identified.

[0067] The network interface 22 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 1 to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The connection to the network may be a wired connection or a wireless connection. For example, information processing devices such as personal computers used by various users are connected to the network. The image forming apparatus 1 can receive print jobs sent from these information processing devices via the network interface 22.

[0068] The communication interface 23 is an interface for wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi, and automatically establishes a connection state in which communication is possible with the mobile terminal 11 within a predetermined distance around the image forming apparatus 1 to perform wireless communication. The communication interface 23 may establish a connection state with one mobile terminal 11 or may establish a connection state with a plurality of mobile terminals 11 simultaneously.

[0069] Next, Figure 52 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the image forming apparatus 1. The CPU 20a of the control unit 20 executes the program 24 to make the control unit 20 function as various processing units. Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 20 functions as a task accepting unit 30 , a user specifying unit 31 , a charge amount calculating unit 32 , an authentication processing unit 33 , a searching unit 34 , a charge information acquiring unit 35 , a charge processing unit 36 ​​, and a task executing unit 37 .

[0070] The task accepting unit 30 receives tasks issued by the user. For example, the task accepting unit 30 receives a print task received via the network interface 22. In addition, if the task accepting unit 30 detects that a document is placed on the scanner unit 2, the function selection screen is displayed on the operation panel 4. In the case where the user selects the copy function, the task accepting unit 30 further receives the setting operation of the copy task performed by the user and receives the copy task set by the user. In addition, in the case where the user selects the scan function, the task accepting unit 30 receives the scan task set by the user.

[0071] If the task is accepted, the task accepting unit 30 determines whether the task is a chargeable task. If it is a chargeable task, the task accepting unit 30 accepts the task as a chargeable task. For example, if the accepted task is a print task or a copy task with print output, the task accepting unit 30 accepts the task as a chargeable task.

[0072] The user identification unit 31 functions to identify the job issuing user who issues the print job when the job accepting unit 30 accepts the print job. For example, the user identification unit 31 refers to the title information of the print job and identifies the job issuing user based on information identifying the user such as the user ID and user name included in the title information.

[0073] The charge amount calculation unit 32 is a processing unit that calculates the charge amount of the charge task. The charge amount calculation unit 32 functions as the charge task is accepted by the task acceptance unit 30, and calculates the charge amount to be charged to the user when the charge task is executed. For example, in the case of a print task, the charge amount calculation unit 32 determines the number of toner colors and the number of sheets used for print output based on the print settings included in the print task, and calculates the charge amount based on these numbers of colors and sheets.

[0074] On the other hand, when the chargeable task is a copy task, the number of sheets output cannot be determined as long as the reading operation of the original document by the scanner unit 2 is not completed. Therefore, the charge amount calculation unit 32 functions after the user instructs the start of reading the original document and the reading operation of the original document by the scanner unit 2 is completed. The charge amount calculation unit 32 calculates the number of output sheets based on the number of original documents read by the scanner unit 2 and the setting content of the copy task, and calculates the charge amount based on the number of sheets output and the number of toner colors.

[0075] The authentication processing unit 33 performs authentication processing for a user who is located in front of the image forming device 1 and wants to use the image forming device 1. For example, the authentication processing unit 33 functions when the human detection sensor 8 detects a person who is within a predetermined distance from the front side of the image forming device 1, and starts authentication processing for authenticating the user. There are three authentication methods performed by the authentication processing unit 33. The first authentication method is to use the camera 5 to capture a facial image of the user, and to authenticate the user's facial authentication by analyzing the facial image. The second authentication method is to read the user's biometric information such as fingerprint pattern and vein pattern via the biometric information acquisition unit 6, and authenticate the user's biometric authentication based on the biometric information. The third authentication method is to read the card information stored in the IC card or the like held by the user via the card information reading unit 7, and authenticate the user's card authentication based on the card information. The authentication processing unit 33 performs user authentication processing using any one of these first to third authentication methods.

[0076] For example, when a person is detected around the image forming device 1 by the person detection sensor 8, the authentication processing unit 33 drives the camera 5 to capture a facial image of the user, and extracts the facial features of the user based on the facial image. Then, the authentication processing unit 33 determines whether the facial features of the user are consistent with the facial feature information registered in the authentication information of the user information 25. When the facial features of the user extracted based on the facial image are consistent with the facial feature information registered in the user information 25, the user who wants to use the image forming device 1 is determined in the authentication process performed by the authentication processing unit 33, and the authentication succeeds. In addition, when the information defining the facial features of the user for facial authentication is not registered in the user information 25, the user cannot be determined in the facial authentication performed by the authentication processing unit 33, and the authentication fails.

[0077] In addition, when a person is detected around the image forming device 1 by the human detection sensor 8, the authentication processing unit 33 operates the biometric information acquisition unit 6 and enters a state of waiting for the input of biometric information from the biometric information acquisition unit 6. If the biometric information acquisition unit 6 acquires the biometric information of the user in this standby state, the authentication processing unit 33 performs biometric authentication based on the biometric information. That is, the authentication processing unit 33 determines whether information consistent with the fingerprint pattern, vein pattern, etc. of the user is registered in the authentication information. In the case where information consistent with the fingerprint pattern, vein pattern, etc. of the user is registered in the authentication information, the user who wants to use the image forming device 1 is determined in the authentication process performed by the authentication processing unit 33, and the authentication is successful. In addition, in the case where information consistent with the characteristics of the user is not registered in the user information 25, the user cannot be determined in the biometric authentication performed by the authentication processing unit 33, and the authentication fails.

[0078] In addition, when a person is detected around the image forming device 1 by the person detection sensor 8, the authentication processing unit 33 operates the card information reading unit 7 and also enters a state of waiting for the card information to be input from the card information reading unit 7. If the card information reading unit 7 reads the user's card information in this standby state, the authentication processing unit 33 performs card authentication based on the card information. That is, the authentication processing unit 33 determines whether the information read from the IC card held by the user is registered in the authentication information. In the case where the read information is registered in the authentication information, the user who wants to use the image forming device 1 is determined in the authentication process performed by the authentication processing unit 33, and the authentication is successful. In addition, in the case where information consistent with the read card information is not registered in the user information 25, the user cannot be determined in the card authentication performed by the authentication processing unit 33, and the authentication fails.

[0079] As described above, the authentication processing unit 33 performs any of facial authentication, biometric authentication, and card authentication to identify the user who is in front of the image forming device 1 and wants to use the image forming device 1. In addition, when the chargeable task is a copy task, the task issuing user who instructed the execution of the copy task is identified through the authentication processing performed by the authentication processing unit 33.

[0080] The search unit 34 is a processing unit that searches for a mobile terminal 11 owned by a user via the communication interface 23. The search unit 34 searches for a mobile terminal 11 owned by a task issuing user from among at least one mobile terminal 11 connected to the communication interface 23.

[0081] For example, when a user is identified by the authentication process performed by the authentication processing unit 33 and a copying task is accepted by the task accepting unit 30, the search unit 34 refers to the user information 25 to identify the mobile terminal 11 owned by the task issuing user identified by the authentication process. Then, the search unit 34 searches for the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user identified by the authentication process from the mobile terminals 11 that have established a connection state through the communication interface 23. Specifically, the search unit 34 sends a search command to the mobile terminal 11 that has established a connection state through the communication interface 23, and obtains response information to the search command from the mobile terminal 11. For example, when the communication interface 23 has established a connection state with a plurality of mobile terminals 11, the search unit 34 sends a search command to each of the plurality of mobile terminals 11, and obtains response information from each mobile terminal 11. The response information sent from the mobile terminal 11 includes information such as the terminal ID and MAC address of the mobile terminal 11. Therefore, the search unit 34 searches for the mobile terminal 11 owned by the task issuing user based on the information included in the response information received from the mobile terminal 11 and by referring to the terminal information 26. In other words, the search unit 34 searches for the mobile terminal 11 held by the user who instructed the execution of the copy job as an acquisition target of the charge information.

[0082] In addition, when the user is identified by the authentication processing unit 33 in the state where the print job has been accepted by the job acceptance unit 30, the search unit 34 determines whether the job issuing user identified by the user identification unit 31 is consistent with the user identified by the authentication processing. As a result, when the job issuing user identified by the user identification unit 31 is consistent with the user identified by the authentication processing, the search unit 34 refers to the user information 25 to identify the mobile terminal 11 owned by the job issuing user identified by the user identification unit 31. Then, the search unit 34 searches for the mobile terminal 11 of the job issuing user identified by the user identification unit 31 from the mobile terminals 11 that have established a connection state through the communication interface 23. At this time, the search unit 34 sends a search command to the mobile terminal 11 via the communication interface 23 and obtains from the mobile terminal 11, and searches for the mobile terminal 11 of the job issuing user. In other words, the search unit 34 searches for the mobile terminal 11 owned by the job issuing user who sent the print job as the object of obtaining the charging information. Furthermore, when the task issuing user identified by the user identification unit 31 is not identical to the user identified by the authentication process, the search unit 34 does not perform a process of searching for the mobile terminal 11 owned by the task issuing user identified by the user identification unit 31. In this case, if the user identified by the authentication process instructs execution of the copy task, a process of searching for the mobile terminal 11 owned by the user who instructs execution of the copy task is performed.

[0083] If the search unit 34 can detect the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user through the search process, the charge information acquisition unit 35 is activated. If the search process cannot detect the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user, the charge information acquisition unit 35 does not need to be activated.

[0084] When the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user is detected by the search processing performed by the search unit 34, the charge information acquisition unit 35 communicates with the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user via the communication interface 23 and acquires the charge information from the mobile terminal 11. When the charge information acquisition unit 35 can acquire the charge information from the mobile terminal 11, it outputs the charge information to the charge processing unit 36.

[0085] The charging processing unit 36 ​​is a processing unit that performs charging processing for the charging task based on the charging information output from the charging information acquisition unit 35. For example, the charging processing unit 36 ​​determines the charging application installed in the mobile terminal 11 based on the charging information, and starts the charging application in the mobile terminal 11. In addition, the charging processing unit 36 ​​causes the charging application started in the mobile terminal 11 to perform charging processing. As the charging processing is performed in the mobile terminal 11, the charging processing unit 36 ​​receives a charging completion notification from the mobile terminal 11. The charging completion notification contains information related to the amount paid in the charging processing based on the charging application. For example, in the case where the charging application is an application for electronic money payment, if the balance of the electronic money is equal to or greater than the charging amount required for executing the charging task, the charging processing is normally performed for the total amount of the designated charging amount. However, in the case where the balance of the electronic money is less than the charging amount required for executing the charging task, it may happen that the charging processing cannot be normally performed for the total amount of the designated charging amount, and the amount paid in the charging processing is less than the charging amount. Therefore, the charging processing unit 36 ​​can determine whether the payment amount included in the charging completion notification received from the mobile terminal 11 is equal to the charging amount, and confirm whether the charging process has been performed for the total amount of the charging amount.

[0086] If the result of the confirmation shows that the total amount of the charge amount has been charged normally, the charge processing unit 36 ​​instructs the task execution unit 37 to execute the entire charge task. On the other hand, if the payment amount based on the charge processing of the mobile terminal 11 is less than the charge amount, the charge processing unit 36 ​​calculates the number of output sheets corresponding to the payment amount, specifies the number of output sheets, and instructs the task execution unit 37 to execute a part of the charge task. At this time, the charge processing unit 36, for example, causes the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4 to display a screen notifying the user of insufficient amount. In addition, if the payment amount in the mobile terminal 11 is 0, or if the charge processing in the mobile terminal 11 fails, the charge processing unit 36 ​​prohibits the execution of the charge task by the task execution unit 37.

[0087] The task execution unit 37 is a control unit that performs print output based on the charging task by controlling the printer unit 3. As described above, when the total amount of the charging amount is normally charged, the task execution unit 37 executes the entire charging task based on the instruction from the charging processing unit 36 ​​and completes the print output. On the other hand, when the payment amount performed by the charging processing is less than the charging amount, the task execution unit 37 performs print output for the number of output sheets specified by the charging processing unit 36. In other words, the task execution unit 37 executes only a part of the charging task and reserves the execution of the remaining charging task. In addition, the reserved charging task is executed when the user performs the settlement processing of the difference.

[0088] Next, Figure 6 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure and functional structure of the mobile terminal 11. The mobile terminal 11 is a portable device such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal. As its hardware structure, it includes a control unit 40, a display unit 41, an operation unit 42, a communication interface 43, a network interface 44, and a storage unit 45.

[0089] The control unit 40 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown), and controls the operation of each unit by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 45. The display unit 41 is composed of, for example, a color liquid crystal display, and displays various images. The operation unit 42 is composed of, for example, touch panel keys arranged on the display screen of the display unit 41, and receives operations performed by the user. The communication interface 43 is, for example, an interface for wireless communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark), and establishes a connection state with other devices (such as the image forming device 1) within a specified distance around the mobile terminal 11 and performs wireless communication. The network interface 44 is an interface for wireless communication based on WiFi, and is connected to a network such as a LAN via a WiFi access point to communicate with other devices (such as the image forming device 1). The storage unit 45 is a non-volatile storage unit composed of a solid state drive (SSD) or the like.

[0090] The storage unit 45 stores in advance a cooperation program 46 and a charging program 47. The cooperation program 46 is a program for causing the mobile terminal 11 to cooperate with the image forming apparatus 1. The charging program 47 is a program for causing the mobile terminal 11 to perform charging processing.

[0091] The CPU of the control unit 40 starts up a cooperative application 48 in the control unit 40 by executing the cooperative program 46. The cooperative application 48 is resident in the control unit 40 and performs operations in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the CPU of the control unit 40 starts up a charging application 49 in the control unit 40 by executing the charging program 47. The charging application 49 is an application that performs charging processing by a predetermined payment method such as payment based on electronic money, payment based on a credit card, or payment based on deduction from a bank account.

[0092] When the cooperative application 48 receives a search command sent from the search unit 34 of the image forming device 1 while being resident in the control unit 40, it sends a response message including information such as the terminal ID and MAC address of the mobile terminal 11 to the image forming device 1. Therefore, the search unit 34 of the image forming device 1 can determine whether it is the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user based on the response message sent by the cooperative application 48. In addition, when the cooperative application 48 receives a request for charging information from the image forming device 1, it sends charging information including information related to the charging application 49 to the image forming device 1. Thus, the image forming device 1 can identify the charging application 49 installed in the mobile terminal 11. In addition, when the cooperative application 48 receives a start command of the charging application 49 after sending the charging information, the cooperative application 48 starts the charging application 49 in the mobile terminal 11. Thereafter, when the cooperative application 48 receives a charging command from the image forming device 1, it determines the charging amount based on the charging command and causes the charging application 49 to perform charging processing. Furthermore, when the charging processing in the charging application 49 is completed, the cooperative application 48 sends a charging completion notification to the image forming device 1. As described above, the mobile terminal 11 is configured so that the charging application 49 can automatically perform the charging process by the function of the cooperation application 48 operating in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0093] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing the main flow of the cooperative operation between the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile terminal 11. Figure 7 In the example, a case where a chargeable task is a printing task is illustrated. For example, if a user operates his own information processing device to send a printing task D1 to the image forming device 1, the image forming device 1 accepts the printing task D1 as a chargeable task and calculates the charge amount for the task issuing user. Furthermore, the image forming device 1 sends a search instruction D2 for searching for a mobile terminal 11 that exists in the vicinity of the device and is held by the task issuing user. In addition, the image forming device 1 repeatedly sends the search instruction D2 at a predetermined interval until the mobile terminal 11 held by the task issuing user is found.

[0094] When the task issuing user approaches the image forming device 1 within a predetermined distance while holding his / her mobile terminal 11, the mobile terminal 11 receives the search command D2 sent from the image forming device 1. The mobile terminal 11 sends a response message including the terminal ID, MAC address, etc. to the image forming device 1.

[0095] If the image forming device 1 can detect the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user based on the response information received from the mobile terminal 11, the mobile terminal 11 is determined as the object of obtaining the charging information. Then, the image forming device 1 sends a charging information request D4 to the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user. When the mobile terminal 11 receives the charging information request D4 from the image forming device 1, the mobile terminal 11 generates charging information D5 including information related to the charging application 49, and sends the charging information D5 to the image forming device 1.

[0096] The image forming apparatus 1 determines the charging application 49 that performs charging processing in the mobile terminal 11 based on the charging information D5 received from the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 sends a start command D6 of the charging application 49 to the mobile terminal 11. The mobile terminal 11 starts the charging application 49 based on the start command D6 from the image forming apparatus 1. When the start of the charging application 49 is completed, the mobile terminal 11 sends a start completion notification D7 to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0097] If the image forming device 1 confirms that the startup of the charging application 49 is completed based on the startup completion notification D7, the charging command D8 including the charging amount is sent to the mobile terminal 11. If the mobile terminal 11 receives the charging command D8 from the image forming device 1, it causes the charging application 49 to perform charging processing. Through this charging processing, a part or the total amount of the charging amount required for the execution of the charging task is paid. If the charging processing performed by the charging application 49 is completed, the mobile terminal 11 sends a charging completion notification D9 to the image forming device 1. The payment amount based on the charging processing is included in the charging completion notification D9. Therefore, the image forming device 1 can determine whether the total amount of the charging amount has been collected based on the payment amount included in the charging completion notification D9. If it is determined that the total amount of the charging amount has been collected, the image forming device 1 executes print output based on the print task D1 and provides the printed material to the task issuing user.

[0098] In this embodiment, as described above, the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile terminal 11 can automatically cooperate to automatically perform a charging process corresponding to the charging amount for executing the charged task, and perform print output based on the charged task. Therefore, the user does not need to operate the mobile terminal 11 during the period TA from inputting the print task D1 to receiving the printed material from the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, even if the user puts the mobile terminal 11 in the pocket of clothes, for example, the user can obtain the printed material without taking out the mobile terminal 11 and performing special operations.

[0099] Next, the processing steps performed in the above-described image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the main processing steps performed in the image forming apparatus 1. This processing is repeatedly performed by the CPU 20a of the control unit 40 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 executing the program 24. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , a case where the job accepted by the image forming apparatus 1 is a chargeable job of a print job and a copy job is exemplified.

[0100] When the image forming device 1 starts the process, it determines whether a print job is received (step S1). If a print job is not received ("No" in step S1), the image forming device 1 determines whether a document is detected to be placed on the scanner unit 2 (step S2). If a document is not detected to be placed ("No" in step S2), the process performed by the image forming device 1 returns to step S1, and the above determination is repeated.

[0101] When the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job ("Yes" in step S1), it executes a print job control process (step S3). When the image forming apparatus 1 detects that a document is placed on the scanner unit 2 ("Yes" in step S2), it executes a copy job control process (step S4).

[0102] Fig. 9This is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing steps of the print task control process (step S3). When the image forming device 1 starts the print task control process, it first stores the received print task (step S10). That is, since the image forming device 1 accepts the print task as a chargeable task, it reserves the execution of the print output based on the print task until the charge processing is performed. When the image forming device 1 stores the print task, it analyzes the print task (step S11) and calculates the charge amount based on the print settings (step S12). In addition, the image forming device 1 refers to the title information of the print task and determines the task issuing user of the print task (step S13). Thereafter, the image forming device 1 stands by until a person present within a specified distance range on the front side of the image forming device 1 is detected by the human detection sensor 8 ("No" in step S14).

[0103] If a person is detected by the person detection sensor 8 ("Yes" in step S14), the image forming device 1 performs authentication processing (step S15). The authentication processing is performed by at least one of facial authentication, biometric authentication, and card authentication to identify the user located on the front side of the image forming device 1. Then, the image forming device 1 determines whether the user authenticated in the authentication processing is the task issuing user (step S16). In the case where the authenticated user is not the task issuing user ("No" in step S16), the processing performed by the image forming device 1 returns to step S14.

[0104] When the authenticated user is consistent with the task issuing user in the authentication process ("Yes" in step S16), the image forming device 1 starts the search process (step S17). That is, the image forming device 1 sends the search instruction D2 to the mobile terminal 11 via the communication interface 23 to search for the mobile terminal 11 held by the task issuing user. Then, the image forming device 1 determines whether the mobile terminal 11 can be detected (step S18). When the mobile terminal 11 can be detected ("Yes" in step S18), it determines whether the detected mobile terminal 11 is the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user (step S19). When the mobile terminal 11 cannot be detected ("No" in step S18), or when the detected mobile terminal 11 is not the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user ("No" in step S19), the processing performed by the image forming device 1 returns to step S17, and the search process is repeatedly performed.

[0105] When the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user is detected ("Yes" in step S19), the image forming device 1 sends a charging information request D4 to the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user, and obtains charging information D5 from the mobile terminal 11 (step S20). Based on the charging information D5, the image forming device 1 determines the charging application 49 that performs charging processing in the mobile terminal 11. Then, the image forming device 1 sends a startup command D6 that specifies the charging application 49 to be started in the mobile terminal 11 to the mobile terminal 11, so that the charging application 49 is started (step S21). If the startup completion notification D7 is received from the mobile terminal 11 and it is detected that the charging application 49 has been started, the image forming device 1 sends a charging command D8 including the charging amount to the mobile terminal 11 (step S22). That is, the image forming device 1 causes the charging application 49 of the mobile terminal 11 to perform charging processing. Afterwards, if a charging completion notification D9 is received from the mobile terminal 11, the image forming device 1 determines whether the total amount of the charge has been charged normally (step S23). If the total amount has been charged ("yes" in step S23), the printer unit 3 is driven to execute print output based on the print task (step S24).

[0106] On the other hand, when the total amount of the charge is not collected but only a part is collected ("No" in step S23), the image forming apparatus 1 executes only a part of the print job (step S25). That is, the image forming apparatus 1 calculates the number of sheets to be output based on the payment amount paid by the charging process, executes the print job until the number of sheets to be output reaches the number of sheets, and stops the execution of the print job when the number of sheets to be output reaches the calculated number of sheets. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 puts the execution of the remaining print job on hold again.

[0107] Fig.10 2 is a diagram illustrating the number of sheets output when the payment amount based on the charging process is less than the charged amount. Fig.10 As shown in the figure, when the number of sheets to be printed out in the print job is N and the number of sheets corresponding to the payment amount is M (where M < N), the image forming apparatus 1 executes the print job and outputs M sheets. The remaining (N-M) sheets are not printed out and are in a reserved state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the entire print job from being executed when the payment amount is less than the charged amount.

[0108] As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 executes only a part of the print job, it notifies the user that the amount is insufficient. Fig.111 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen G1 displayed on the display unit 4a of the image forming apparatus 1 at this time. On the notification screen G1, a message notifying the user that the charged amount is insufficient, only a part of the print job is executed, and that a charging process for the insufficient amount is required when the remaining print job is executed is displayed. By displaying such a notification screen G1 on the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4, the user can understand that the charged amount is insufficient without taking out the mobile terminal 11.

[0109] In addition, the notification screen G1 displays a charging process execution button B1 and a cancel button B2. The user can perform a process of collecting the insufficient amount of the charge by operating the charging process execution button B1. In this case, the image forming device 1 obtains the operation screen displayed on the display unit 41 by the charging application 49 via the cooperation application 48 of the mobile terminal 11, and displays the operation screen on the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4. If the user's operation on the operation screen is detected, the image forming device 1 sends the operation information to the mobile terminal 11 and provides it to the charging application 49 via the cooperation application 48. As a result, the user can perform the charging process corresponding to the insufficient amount without taking out his own mobile terminal 11, and only by operating the operation panel 4. In addition, the cancel button B2 is a button for canceling the execution of the remaining printing tasks.

[0110] If the user performs the charging process for the insufficient amount of the charge, the image forming apparatus 1 releases the remaining print job from the hold state and restarts the execution. Therefore, the user can execute the entire print job and obtain a complete print product.

[0111] then, Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing steps of the copy task control process (step S4). If the image forming device 1 starts the copy task control process, it performs an authentication process (step S15). The authentication process is performed by at least one of facial authentication, biometric authentication, and card authentication, and the user located on the front side of the image forming device 1 is determined as the task issuing user. Then, the image forming device 1 receives the task setting operation performed by the user (step S32), and if the user instructs to start the execution of the task, the reading action of the original document is started (step S33). If the reading action of all the original documents placed by the user is completed, the image forming device 1 calculates the charge amount based on the task setting (step S34).

[0112] Then, the image forming device 1 starts a search process for searching the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user (step S35). That is, the image forming device 1 sends a search instruction D2 to the mobile terminal 11 via the communication interface 23, and determines whether the mobile terminal 11 is detected based on the response information D3 from the mobile terminal 11 (step S36). If the mobile terminal 11 is detected ("Yes" in step S36), it further determines whether the mobile terminal 11 is the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user (step S37).

[0113] When the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user is detected ("Yes" in step S37), the image forming device 1 sends a charging information request D4 to the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user, and obtains charging information D5 from the mobile terminal 11 (step S38). Based on the charging information D5, the image forming device 1 sends a start command D6 specifying the charging application 49 to be started in the mobile terminal 11 to the mobile terminal 11, so as to start the charging application 49 (step S39). When the start completion notification D7 is received from the mobile terminal 11 and the charging application 49 is detected to be started, the image forming device 1 sends a charging command D8 including the charging amount to the mobile terminal 11 (step S40). After that, when the charging completion notification D9 is received from the mobile terminal 11, the image forming device 1 determines whether the total amount of the charging amount has been normally charged (step S41). If the total amount of the charging has been charged ("Yes" in step S41), the printer unit 3 is driven to execute all print outputs based on the copy task (step S42).

[0114] On the other hand, if the total amount of the charge is not collected but only a part is collected (No in step S41), the image forming apparatus 1 executes only a part of the printout included in the copy job (step S43). The specific operation in this case is the same as that in the case of the print job.

[0115] As described above, the image forming device 1 retrieves the charging information recording medium 10 existing in the vicinity of the device while accepting a charging task such as a printing task or a copying task, and obtains the charging information D5 from the charging information recording medium 10 detected by the retrieval. Furthermore, the image forming device 1 is configured to execute the charging task after performing charging processing for the charging task based on the charging information D5 obtained from the charging information recording medium 10. In particular, in the present embodiment, the charging information recording medium 10 is configured to be a mobile terminal 11 held by a user. Therefore, the image forming device 1 is configured to retrieve the mobile terminal 11 existing in the vicinity of the device via the communication interface 23, and obtain the charging information from the mobile terminal 11 detected by the retrieval.

[0116] According to such a configuration, even if the user puts the mobile terminal 11 into a pocket of clothing, etc., the user can automatically process the payment and obtain the printed matter output from the image forming device 1 without taking out the mobile terminal 11. Therefore, even if the user holds goods in both hands, the user can directly obtain and take the printed matter without putting the goods on the floor, etc., which is more convenient than before.

[0117] (Second Embodiment)

[0118] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the case where the charge information recording medium 10 is a mobile terminal 11 is exemplified. In this embodiment, the case where the charge information recording medium 10 is only a display unit that displays charge information is exemplified.

[0119] Fig.13 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus 1 in a second embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment is the same as the apparatus described in the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment is different from the apparatus described in the first embodiment in the method of searching the charge information recording medium 10 by the search unit 34.

[0120] In the present embodiment, the user carries a display component 12, and the display component 12 displays a code 13 showing the charge information D5, for example, in the form of a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark). In the present embodiment, the display component 12 corresponds to the charge information recording medium 10. The display component 12 may be a simple board, or may be a structure in which the code 13 is printed on a sheet such as printing paper. In addition, the display component 12 may be the same as the first embodiment, and the code 13 is displayed on the display unit 41 of the mobile terminal 11. The user carries the display component 12 in such a manner that the code 13 displayed on such a display component 12 can be confirmed from the outside. For example, Fig.13 As shown, the user wears the display unit 12 in a state of hanging around the neck.

[0121] The charging information D5 represented by the code 13 includes information for charging the user. For example, the charging information D5 includes information for charging the electronic money pre-charged by the user. Therefore, if the charging information D5 is extracted by parsing the code 13, the image forming device 1 can perform the charging process by itself.

[0122] When the image forming device 1 accepts a charging task and retrieves the charging information recording medium 10 that is the object of obtaining charging information, it drives the camera 5 to capture an image of the periphery of the image forming device 1. The image captured at this time may be a still image or a dynamic image. Furthermore, the image forming device 1 analyzes the image captured by the camera 5 to determine whether the code 13 is displayed in the image. When the code 13 is displayed in the image, the image forming device 1 obtains the charging information D5 from the image by analyzing the code 13. Furthermore, based on the charging information D5, the image forming device 1 performs a charging process for collecting a charging amount, which is a charging amount for executing the charging task.

[0123] Fig.14 1 is a diagram showing the main flow of the operation performed by the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. Fig.14 In the example, a case where the chargeable task is a printing task is illustrated. For example, if a user operates his own information processing device to send a printing task D1 to the image forming device 1, the image forming device 1 accepts the printing task D1 as a chargeable task and calculates the charge amount for the task issuing user. Then, the image forming device 1 drives the camera 5 and starts the shooting process of shooting the display component 12 existing around the device. The image forming device 1 obtains the image shot by the camera 5 and analyzes the image to obtain the charge information D5. If the charge information D5 is obtained, the image forming device 1 performs the charge processing based on the charge information D5. For example, the image forming device 1 accesses a server that performs payment processing of electronic money for the user via the network interface 22, and makes a charge request to the server to perform the charge processing. Through the charge processing, a part or the total amount of the charge amount required to execute the chargeable task is paid. Then, the image forming device 1 determines whether the total amount of the charge amount has been collected. If it is determined that the total amount of the charge amount has been collected, the print output based on the printing task D1 is executed, and the printed material is provided to the task issuing user.

[0124] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 can automatically perform a charging process corresponding to the charging amount for executing the charged task and print out the charged task by operating as described above. Therefore, the user does not need to operate the mobile terminal 11 during the period TA from when the print task D1 is input to the image forming apparatus 1 to when the printed material is received from the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, even if the user puts his / her mobile terminal 11 in a pocket of clothes, the printed material can be obtained without taking out the mobile terminal 11 and performing special operations.

[0125] Next, the processing steps performed in the image forming apparatus 1 described above will be described. The main processing steps performed in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment are similar to those described in the first embodiment. Figure 8 However, the specific processing contents in the print task control process (step S3) and the copy task control process (step S4) are different from the processing contents described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the print task control process (step S3) and the copy task control process (step S4) in this embodiment are described below.

[0126] Fig.15 This is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing procedures of the print job control process (step S3) in this embodiment. Fig.15 Steps S50 to S56 shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The steps S10 to S16 shown are the same, except that Fig.15 Steps S62 to S64 shown in FIG. Fig. 9 That is, the characteristic processing steps in this embodiment are Fig.15 The part of the process ST1 indicated by the dotted line frame in FIG. This characteristic process ST1 is described.

[0127] When it is determined that the user authenticated in the authentication process is the same as the task issuing user ("Yes" in step S56), the image forming device 1 starts the search process (step S57). At this time, the image forming device 1 drives the camera 5 and starts to capture images of the surroundings of the image forming device 1. The image forming device 1 analyzes the image obtained from the camera 5 (step S58) and determines whether the image component of the code 13 containing the charging information D5 can be detected from the image (step S59). When the image component of the code 13 cannot be detected ("No" in step S59), the process performed by the image forming device 1 returns to step S57 and the image capturing is repeated. On the other hand, when the image component of the code 13 can be detected ("Yes" in step S59), the image forming device 1 obtains the charging information D5 by analyzing the code 13 (step S60). In other words, the image forming device 1 obtains the charging information D5 from the image captured by the camera 5. Moreover, the image forming device 1 performs the charging process based on the charging information D5 obtained from the image captured by the camera 5 (step S61). Thereafter, the process performed by the image forming apparatus 1 proceeds to step S62 , and the same process as that described in the first embodiment is performed.

[0128] Next, Fig.16 This is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the copy job control process (step S4) in this embodiment. Fig.16 Steps S70 to S74 shown in FIG. Fig.12 The steps S30 to S34 shown are the same, except that Fig.16 Steps S80 to S82 shown in FIG. Fig. 9 That is, the characteristic processing steps in this embodiment are Fig.16 The part of the process ST2 indicated by the dotted line frame in FIG. This characteristic process ST2 is described.

[0129] When the image forming device 1 calculates the charge amount of the copying job (step S74), the search process starts (step S75). At this time, the image forming device 1 drives the camera 5 and starts to capture images of the surroundings of the image forming device 1. The image forming device 1 analyzes the image obtained from the camera 5 (step S76) and determines whether the image component of the code 13 containing the charge information D5 can be detected from the image (step S77). In the case where the image component of the code 13 cannot be detected ("No" in step S77), the process performed by the image forming device 1 returns to step S75 and the image capture is repeated. On the other hand, in the case where the image component of the code 13 can be detected ("Yes" in step S77), the image forming device 1 obtains the charge information D5 by analyzing the code 13 (step S78). In other words, the image forming device 1 obtains the charge information D5 from the image captured by the camera 5. Then, the image forming device 1 performs the charge process based on the charge information D5 obtained from the image (step S79). Thereafter, the process performed by the image forming apparatus 1 proceeds to step S80 , and the same process as that described in the first embodiment is performed.

[0130] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. When accepting a chargeable task such as a printing task or a copying task, the chargeable information recording medium 10 existing in the vicinity of the apparatus is searched, and the chargeable information D5 is acquired from the chargeable information recording medium 10 detected by the search. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured to execute the chargeable task after performing a charge processing for the chargeable task based on the chargeable information D5 acquired from the chargeable information recording medium 10. In particular, in this embodiment, the chargeable information recording medium 10 is configured to include a display unit 12 that displays the chargeable information D5. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured to acquire the chargeable information D5 by driving the camera 5 to capture an image of the vicinity of the apparatus.

[0131] According to such a configuration, even if the user puts his / her mobile terminal 11 into a pocket of clothing, etc., the user can automatically process the payment and obtain the printed matter output from the image forming device 1 without taking out the mobile terminal 11. Therefore, even if the user holds goods in both hands, the user can directly obtain and take the printed matter without putting the goods on the floor, etc., which improves convenience compared with the past.

[0132] In addition, regarding the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the structure and operation other than the above-mentioned points are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0133] (Variation Example)

[0134] As mentioned above, two embodiments related to the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be applied.

[0135] For example, in the above embodiment, the image forming device 1 is constituted by an MFP and has multiple functions including a copy function and a print function. However, the image forming device 1 does not necessarily have multiple functions. For example, the image forming device 1 may be a copy-only machine having only a copy function, or may be a printer having only a print function.

[0136] In addition, in the above embodiment, as the authentication method of authenticating the user, three methods of face authentication, biometric authentication and card authentication are illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the authentication process may also be a process of determining whether the combination of the ID and password input by the user matches the combination registered in advance.

[0137] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is given of a case where, in the image forming device 1, when the authentication process of the authenticated user is successful, the charging information recording medium 10 existing in the periphery of the device is retrieved. However, the timing of the image forming device 1 retrieving the charging information recording medium 10 existing in the periphery of the device is not necessarily limited to after the authentication process is successful. For example, if the user operates his own information processing device to send a print task to the image forming device 1, the image forming device 1 is moved to the installation location in order to obtain the print material. In this case, if the user's mobile terminal 11 enters within the range of a specified distance, the image forming device 1 automatically establishes a connection state capable of communication. Therefore, the image forming device 1 may also send a search instruction D2 to the mobile terminal 11 at the timing of establishing a connection state capable of communication with the mobile terminal 11 to retrieve whether it is the mobile terminal 11 of the task issuing user.

[0138] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the program 24 executed in the image forming apparatus 1 is pre-installed is exemplified. However, this is not limiting, and the program 24 may be installed in the image forming apparatus 1 at any timing. In this case, the program 24 is provided in a form that can be downloaded to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network, for example. In addition, the program 24 may also be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a USB memory, etc., for example.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: A task acceptance unit, which accepts charging tasks that become charging objects; A retrieval unit, which retrieves a charging information recording medium existing around the device in conjunction with accepting the charging task; a charging information acquisition unit, which acquires charging information from the charging information recording medium retrieved by the retrieval unit; A charging processing unit, based on the charging information, performs charging processing for the charging task; as well as The task execution unit performs the above-mentioned charging task along with the above-mentioned charging process. The charging information recording medium is a mobile terminal held by the user. The image forming apparatus further comprises: A storage unit for storing terminal information, wherein a corresponding relationship is established between the mobile terminal and a user holding the mobile terminal; A user determination unit, which determines a task issuing user who issues the charged task in conjunction with accepting the charged task; and The authentication processing unit performs authentication processing of users in the vicinity of the device, As the task issuing user is identified by the user identifying unit, the searching unit searches for the mobile terminal owned by the task issuing user based on the terminal information. When the user authenticated by the authentication processing unit and the role issuing user identified by the user identification unit are the same user, the search unit searches for the mobile terminal owned by the role issuing user.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus further comprises a communication unit for communicating with the mobile terminal. The retrieval unit retrieves the mobile terminal existing around the device via the communication unit, The charging information acquisition unit acquires the charging information from the mobile terminal retrieved by the retrieval unit via the communication unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The communication unit automatically establishes a communication-enabled connection state with the mobile terminal within a predetermined distance range. The search unit searches for the mobile terminal owned by the task issuing user from among the at least one mobile terminal connected to the communication unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The user specifying unit specifies a task issuing user based on a result of the authentication process performed by the authentication processing unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming device further includes a photographing unit for photographing an image of a user. The authentication processing unit performs face authentication based on the image captured by the imaging unit.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus further includes a biometric information acquisition unit for acquiring biometric information of a user. The authentication processing unit performs biometric authentication based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquiring unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus further comprises a card information reading unit, the card information reading unit reading the card information recorded on the IC card, The authentication processing unit performs card authentication based on the card information acquired by the card information reading unit.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The charging information acquisition unit acquires information related to the charging application installed in the mobile terminal as the charging information by communicating with the mobile terminal. The charging processing unit performs the charging process by activating the charging application of the mobile terminal based on the charging information and sending a charging command to the charging application.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming device further comprises a photographing unit for photographing an image of the periphery of the device. The retrieval unit retrieves the image component of the charge information recording medium from the image obtained by causing the imaging unit to capture an image of the periphery of the device. The charge information acquisition unit acquires the charge information from the image component of the charge information recording medium retrieved by the retrieval unit.

10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: If the total amount of the charging amount for the charging task can be charged in the charging process, the task execution unit completes execution of the charging task.

11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: When the total amount of the chargeable amount for the chargeable task cannot be charged in the charge processing, the task execution unit executes only a part of the chargeable task.

12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: When the total amount of the chargeable amount for the chargeable task cannot be charged in the charge processing, the charge processing unit notifies the user of the insufficient amount.

13. A charging method, which is a charging method performed in an image forming apparatus, characterized in that: have: Task acceptance step, accepting the charging tasks that become charging objects; A retrieval step, in which, along with accepting the charging task, a charging information recording medium existing around the device is retrieved; a charging information acquisition step of acquiring charging information from the charging information recording medium retrieved by the retrieval step; a charging processing step, performing charging processing for the charging task based on the charging information; and The task execution step is accompanied by the above-mentioned charging processing, and the above-mentioned charging task is executed. The charging information recording medium is a mobile terminal held by the user. The above charging method also has: A storing step, storing terminal information, wherein a corresponding relationship is established between the mobile terminal and a user holding the mobile terminal; A user determination step, in which, along with accepting the above-mentioned paid task, a task issuing user for issuing the above-mentioned paid task is determined; and The authentication process step performs authentication of users in the vicinity of the device. In the searching step, the mobile terminal owned by the task issuing user is searched based on the terminal information as the task issuing user is identified in the user identifying step. In the searching step, when the user authenticated in the authentication processing step and the task issuing user identified in the user identifying step are the same user, the mobile terminal owned by the task issuing user is searched.

14. The charging method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The image forming apparatus includes a communication unit for communicating with the mobile terminal. In the above-mentioned searching step, the above-mentioned mobile terminal existing in the vicinity of the device is searched via the above-mentioned communication unit, In the charging information acquisition step, the charging information is acquired from the mobile terminal retrieved in the retrieval step via the communication unit.

15. The charging method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The communication unit automatically establishes a communication-enabled connection state with the mobile terminal within a predetermined distance range. In the searching step, the mobile terminal owned by the task issuing user is searched from the at least one mobile terminal connected to the communication unit.

16. The charging method according to claim 13, characterized in that: In the user identification step, the task issuing user is identified based on the result of the authentication process in the authentication process step.

17. The charging method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The image forming device includes a photographing unit for photographing an image of a user. In the authentication processing step, face authentication is performed based on the image captured by the capturing unit.

18. The charging method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The image forming apparatus includes a biometric information acquisition unit, the biometric information acquisition unit acquires biometric information of a user, In the authentication processing step, biometric authentication is performed based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit.

19. The charging method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The image forming apparatus includes a card information reading unit, and the card information reading unit reads the card information recorded on the IC card. In the authentication processing step, card authentication is performed based on the card information acquired by the card information reading unit.

20. The charging method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that: In the charging information acquisition step, by communicating with the mobile terminal, information related to the charging application installed in the mobile terminal is acquired as the charging information. In the charging processing step, the charging processing is performed by starting the charging application of the mobile terminal based on the charging information and sending a charging command to the charging application.

21. The charging method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The image forming device includes a photographing unit, and the photographing unit photographs an image of the periphery of the device. In the retrieval step, the image component of the charge information recording medium is retrieved from an image obtained by causing the imaging unit to capture an image of the periphery of the device. In the charge information acquisition step, the charge information is acquired from the image component of the charge information recording medium retrieved in the retrieval step.

22. The charging method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that: In the task execution step, when the total amount of the charge amount for the charge task can be charged in the charging process, the execution of the charge task is completed.

23. The charging method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that: In the task execution step, when the total amount of the chargeable task cannot be charged in the charging process, only a part of the chargeable task is executed.

24. The charging method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that: In the charging processing step, when the total amount of the charging amount for the charging task cannot be charged in the charging processing, the user is notified of the insufficient amount.

25. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program executed in an image forming apparatus, wherein: The program causes the image forming apparatus to execute: Task acceptance step, accepting the charging tasks that become charging objects; A retrieval step, in which, along with accepting the charging task, a charging information recording medium existing around the device is retrieved; a charging information acquisition step of acquiring charging information from the charging information recording medium retrieved by the retrieval step; a charging processing step, performing charging processing for the charging task based on the charging information; and The task execution step is accompanied by the above-mentioned charging processing, and the above-mentioned charging task is executed. The charging information recording medium is a mobile terminal held by the user. The program further causes the image forming apparatus to execute: A storing step, storing terminal information, wherein a corresponding relationship is established between the mobile terminal and a user holding the mobile terminal; A user determination step, in which, along with accepting the above-mentioned paid task, a task issuing user for issuing the above-mentioned paid task is determined; and The authentication process step performs authentication of users in the vicinity of the device. In the searching step, the mobile terminal owned by the task issuing user is searched based on the terminal information as the task issuing user is identified in the user identifying step. In the searching step, when the user authenticated in the authentication processing step and the task issuing user identified in the user identifying step are the same user, the mobile terminal owned by the task issuing user is searched.

Images